Students who complete an online master’s in human services degree program can further their knowledge of the services, policies, and research that goes into improving human lives. Those with this degree may be able to gain a senior-level position as a social or community service manager, where they can expect to earn an average pay of $77,030 per year.
Students must typically complete 30 credits to earn this degree, and most full-time students can complete all of the required coursework in two years (or even just one year via an accelerated program). According to U.S. News & World Report, this degree usually costs between $13,000 to $25,000 in total tuition.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Human Services degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 17 Accredited Online Master’s in Human Services Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Liberty University
Intelligent Score: 98.29In-state: $14,791
Out-of-state: $14,791
In-state: $7,935
Out-of-state: $7,935
SAT: 1040-1250
ACT: 21-29
$565
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
University of Illinois Springfield
Intelligent Score: 97.61In-state: $14,317
Out-of-state: $33,824
In-state: $15,016
Out-of-state: $15,016
SAT: 1200-1460
ACT: 27-33
$367
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
33
Bellevue University
Intelligent Score: 96.65In-state: $7,176
Out-of-state: $7,176
In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $10,710
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$649
Online
Higher Learning Commission
36
Regent University
Intelligent Score: 94.35In-state: $17,220
Out-of-state: $17,220
In-state: $15,552
Out-of-state: $15,552
SAT: 940-1220
ACT: 21-29
$615
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
St. Joseph's University, New York
Intelligent Score: 93.32In-state: $28,590
Out-of-state: $28,590
In-state: $19,350
Out-of-state: $19,350
SAT: 1020-1200
ACT: 22-26
$860
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
30
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Intelligent Score: 90.36In-state: $9,273
Out-of-state: $37,161
In-state: $10,728
Out-of-state: $10,728
SAT: 1260-1460
ACT: 27-32
In-State: $537
Out-of-State: $1,086
Online
Higher Learning Commission
30
Webster University
Intelligent Score: 90.13In-state: $28,500
Out-of-state: $28,500
In-state: $13,500
Out-of-state: $13,500
SAT: 1078-1260
ACT: 20-27
$752
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
33
CSP Global
Intelligent Score: 89.07In-state: $32,660
Out-of-state: $32,660
In-state: $9,090
Out-of-state: $9,090
SAT: 990-1180
ACT: 19-25
$475
Online
Higher Learning Commission
36
East Tennessee State University
Intelligent Score: 88.70In-state: $7,340
Out-of-state: $25,487
In-state: $8,640
Out-of-state: $8,640
SAT: 940-1170
ACT: 20-27
$732
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
37
Touro University Worldwide
Intelligent Score: 88.25In-state: $14,400
Out-of-state: $14,400
In-state: $9,000
Out-of-state: $9,000
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$500
Online
WASC Senior College and University Commission
36
Nova Southeastern University
Intelligent Score: 87.46In-state: $32,370
Out-of-state: $32,370
In-state: $20,618
Out-of-state: $20,618
SAT: 1030-1240
ACT: 20-27
$1,199
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
Bryan College
Intelligent Score: 87.17In-state: $16,900
Out-of-state: $16,900
In-state: $9,630
Out-of-state: $9,630
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$475
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
Southeastern University
Intelligent Score: 86.68In-state: $26,520
Out-of-state: $26,520
In-state: $13,365
Out-of-state: $13,365
SAT: 960-1170
ACT: 19-24
$495
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Intelligent Score: 85.51In-state: $39,900
Out-of-state: $39,900
In-state: $11,700
Out-of-state: $11,700
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$550
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
33
University of North Georgia
Intelligent Score: 83.73In-state: $3,969
Out-of-state: $14,123
In-state: $4,140
Out-of-state: $4,140
SAT: 990-1180
ACT: 19-25
$311
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
33
Wilmington University
Intelligent Score: 83.62In-state: $11,430
Out-of-state: $11,430
In-state: $8,784
Out-of-state: $8,784
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$537
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
33
University of Arizona Global Campus
Intelligent Score: 82.13In-state: $25,295
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: $26,589
Out-of-state: $26,589
SAT: NA
ACT: NA
$600
Online
WASC Senior College and University Commission
33
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Human Services Program
Choose your area of study
This degree is typically offered as a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS). Some online master’s in human services degrees are more generalized, but others may require students to select a particular area of study. These concentrations typically include organizational leadership, student affairs, counseling, and nonprofit management. If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match these career goals.
Research schools and programs
When researching different online master’s in human services programs, students need to narrow the extensive list of schools down to a few of the most promising ones.
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Students can also narrow things down by cost, as attending schools outside their budget can leave students stuck with large amounts of debt. Finally, consider eliminating prospective schools that don’t offer the flexible schedule you may need as a remote learner.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Application requirements vary by school and program. While many online master’s in human services programs no longer require GRE scores as part of the application, some programs still have this requirement. Students who need to take the GRE for the first time should pay careful attention to application deadlines: it can take up to three months to study for the exam and up to 15 days to receive results, so it’s important to schedule any necessary tests well ahead of application deadlines.
It’s equally important to review the application for any other additional requirements, which may include transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Before submitting an application, always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
With the list of online master’s in human services programs narrowed down, students must determine which one(s) they will apply to.
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
The first step in getting help paying for a degree is for students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. Completing this form will determine the student’s eligibility for federal grants and loans, and a completed FAFSA may be a requirement for specific scholarships. While scholarships and grants are rarer for graduate students than undergraduate students, it may be worth looking into what is available. To do so, contact the financial aid office of prospective schools to ask about what types of aid may be available through the school or the state. Those who already work in the field should see if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits as well.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Human Services Program?
Students in an online master’s in human services program can expect a curriculum that focuses on social work, counseling, substance abuse intervention, family support services, and public health initiatives.
The curriculum’s sheer diversity is because the class is designed to help students learn how to become community leaders who help those around them lead happier, healthier, and more productive lives. Students must learn several different skills that are all useful in their own right but that collectively help prepare students for a unique leadership role in their area.
Most of these graduate programs are comprised of 30 credit hours. A full-time student typically needs two years to complete everything. However, students can graduate quicker by taking accelerated programs or increasing their course load. Typically, these programs are fully remote and do not require students to spend time on campus.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in human services degree program
- Law and Practice in Human Services. This course teaches students how the law can facilitate and limit the implementation of human services in a given area. Accordingly, students will learn about civil and criminal court matters and how they impact human services directly and indirectly over time.
- Survey of Human Services. Students review the historical foundation of human services and examine how different forces (including social and political influences) may affect the design and implementation of much-needed services.
- Human Services Helping Skills. This course focuses on how to create a better local community. The actual coursework primarily consists of recognizing major problems in individuals and areas and developing creative solutions to those problems.
- Human Behavior & Human Systems. In this class, students learn about psychology, neurology, physiology, and more to help them better understand the struggles of diverse individuals and learn how to plan interventions as needed.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Human Services?
Career outlook
Graduates of an online master’s in human services degree program are able to take their knowledge and skills and apply them to a variety of career paths. Students may choose to work in the mental health field directly with clients or work in administrative positions involving community or outreach services.
Below are just a few of the career paths available:
- Social or community service manager — Oversee operations and secure funding for programs that support public well-being.
- Median annual salary: $77,030
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 9%
- New job openings projected: 16,000 annually
- Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, or mental health counselor — Evaluate the mental and physical health of clients, recommend treatment plans, and monitor progress.
- Median annual salary: $53,710
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 18%
- New job openings projected: 42,000 annually
- Social worker — Help individuals and families deal with problems in their everyday lives, such as health, behavioral, and financial issues.
- Median annual salary: $58,380
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 7%
- New job openings projected: 63,800 annually
Online Master’s in Human Services Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in human services degree program?
To apply to an online master’s in human services program, students need only visit the university website. There, they can determine whether it’s possible to fill out the application directly on the site or if the site redirects to an application portal. While reviewing the application, students should always double-check what additional paperwork may be required when they apply, including GRE scores, letters of recommendation, application essays, or cover letters.
If any questions remain, students should contact the school’s admissions counselors. These counselors can answer such questions and verify that the application is not missing any necessary paperwork.
How much does an online master’s in human services degree program cost?
According to U.S. News & World Report, most students will pay between $13,000 to $25,000 in total tuition for an online master’s in human services. The primary reason for this range is that some schools are much more expensive than others. Private schools tend to charge more than public schools, though public schools often have much higher tuition rates for out-of-state students than in-state students.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in human services degree?
An online master’s in human services program typically runs for 30 credit hours, so full-time students can usually complete all the coursework within two years.
Certain schools offer accelerated programs that allow full-time students to finish in as little as one year. On the other hand, part-time students may need three years or more to earn their degree.
Is an online master’s in human services worth it?
An online master’s in human services degree program gives you a diverse framework to help you understand how people act and relate to others and how communities serve a larger role in ensuring the health of their citizens. Students learn skills that can help them take on leadership and management roles or prepare them to go on and earn doctoral degrees.
A graduate degree in human services may include opportunities, such as practicums, research projects, and internships, that let you get real-world experience in your field. Online programs usually have both synchronous and asynchronous coursework, so you still get the benefit of collaborating with peers and professors.
Completing an online degree program shows potential employers that you have the organization and self-motivation skills to succeed in a fast-paced job environment. It also prepares you for remote positions, such as those in telecounseling.
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